New Bishop Walker School Campus Dedication
The dedication and blessing of the Bishop Walker School for Boys (BWS) on Sunday evening was a joyous event for the students, parents and all those who have worked for years to make this permanent school campus a reality. BWS provides a faith-based, academically rigorous, family-oriented, and tuition-free Episcopal education to boys in chronically underserved areas east of the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C.
Rev. John Chane, the Bishop of Washington, led the church service. He prayed with the overflowing worshippers: “O God, who through the love and labor of many had built us here a place of learning, growth and peace in the name of your faithful servant John Walker, and has blessed this school with honor and loyal support, ”
The current boys in pre-K and Kindergarten participated in the service, wearing their school uniforms of blue BWS blazers and khaki pants and stated: “I am a child of God created in His image. Therefore…I am respectful to other and myself. I am responsible for my actions, words and work. I am honest and am above cheating, stealing and lying. This is our Bishop Walker School Honor Code.”
"Whenever I feel as if this undertaking is too much, I think of those boys and I’m inspired,” BWS Executive Director James Woody said. “We will change the lives of a generation of boys and young men in this area and the ripple effects will be felt throughout the community.”
The Dedication Planning Committee members who attended include The Rector of Christ Church Georgetown Rev. Stuart Kenworthy, Jane Battle, Jimmy Lowe, Heather Florance, Catherine McDonald, Jane Petit and Greg Rooney.
Members of BWS’ Governing Board the dedication include Chair John Thorne and Sarah Thorne, Evie Rooney, Martha Webb, Bob Pinkard and Peter Barrett. Also on hand were Assistant Rector of Christ Church Georgetown, Rev. Tom Murphy and former Rector of St. Albans Church, Rev. Frank Wade.
The school is named for the Rt. Rev. John Thomas Walker, who was the first African American Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. In 2005 the Episcopal Diocese of Washington made a commitment to honor the memory of Bishop Walker (who died in 1989) and to address the critical academic and social needs of young boys in the nation’s capital.
Bishop Walker’s wife Maria Walker is on the governing board of the school and his children Tommy Walker and Ana Walker are active in fundraising and sustaining the school mission.
Bishop Chane ended the service with the words “let us go forth in Peace and let the doors be opened.” Then -- along with The Rev. Preston Hannibal, Canon for Academic Ministries and The Rev. Nan Peete, Priest-in-Charge of the Holy Communion Church –- Chane led the students and congregation as he blessed the classrooms with holy water. “We ask your blessing on these classrooms, that all who study, learn and teach here may grow in knowledge of you and of one another…” he prayed aloud.
As the large crowd moved outside, the Bishop blessed the playground while children continued to play during the ceremony. “Grant your blessing on this playground and give those who play on it safety, freedom of expression and enjoyment; that they may return to class with bodies and minds refreshed,” he said while sprinkling the last of the holy water on a 6-year old boy on a swing.
To get involved or for more information about the Bishop Walker School for Boys:
Website: BishopWalkerSchool.org
Facebook: BWS Facebook Fan Page
Phone: (202) 678-1515
(Disclosure: Emily Miller is a member of the BWS Dedication and Celebration Planning Committee and a parishoner of Christ Church Georgetown.)